Why would the seasonal range (summer-Winter) in solar receipt be greater at 61 degrees North than at 40 degrees North?
To understand why the seasonal range in solar receipt would be greater at 61 degrees North compared to 40 degrees North, we need to consider the factors that affect solar receipt, namely the tilt of the Earth's axis and its impact on the angle and duration of sunlight.
First, it's important to note that the Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt causes the changing seasons as different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of solar energy throughout the year.
At higher latitudes, such as 61 degrees North, the tilt of the Earth's axis has a more pronounced effect on the angle and duration of sunlight. During summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in longer days and higher sun angles at higher latitudes. This means that more solar energy is received during the summer months.
On the other hand, during winter, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to shorter days and lower sun angles. This results in less solar energy reaching higher latitudes during the winter months.
At 61 degrees North, the difference in sun angles and day lengths between summer and winter is greater compared to 40 degrees North. This means that the seasonal range in solar receipt, which refers to the difference in solar energy received between summer and winter, will be larger at 61 degrees North.
To verify this, one way to obtain numerical values for solar receipt at different latitudes would be to consult solar radiation databases or climatological records. NASA's Surface meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE) database, for example, provides historical solar radiation data for various locations worldwide. By comparing the solar receipt values between 61 degrees North and 40 degrees North at different times of the year, one can further substantiate the greater seasonal range at higher latitudes.